From Preá to Arpoador: Overland or by Downwind

Preá and Arpoador share the same coastline and the same wind. Between them lie Camocim, the Piauí coast and the Parnaíba Delta, and that is exactly what makes this route one of the most beautiful in northeastern Brazil, whether by land or by water.

This guide covers the three ways to make the trip: 4x4, helicopter, and the kitesurf downwinder that crosses two states and a delta.

Overland

By road, the route adds up to around 350 km. From Preá to Camocim it is 97 km; from Camocim the road follows the BR-402 through Chaval and across the Ceará border into Piauí as far as Parnaíba, another 126 km; from Parnaíba to Tutóia it is a further 121 km of asphalt, already in Maranhão. Tutóia is the last place to refuel.

From there the asphalt ends: the final 13 km to Arpoador are driven on the beach, heading northwest, in a 4x4 and within the tide window. For those arriving by plane, Jericoacoara airport (JJD), in Cruz, sits about 14 km from Preá and shortens the flying leg of the trip.

By downwinder, with the wind at your back

From July to January the trade winds blow in from the east at 18 to 30 knots. Since the coast runs east to west, the entire journey toward Maranhão is sailed with the wind in your favor: this is one of the great downwind corridors on the planet, and Arpoador is where it flows into.

The route is ridden in stages, with land and boat support. From Preá, the first leg passes Guriú and Tatajuba to Camocim. The second crosses Bitupitá and the state line to the Piauí coast, around Barra Grande and Pedra do Sal. The third is the main chapter: crossing the Parnaíba Delta, entering at Barra do Caju, riding the Melancieiras Bay between mangroves and sandbanks, exiting at the Tutóia Bar and covering the final 12 km to Arpoador beach.

It is around 210 km along the coast, usually split into three or four days of riding. We have guided this route since Arpoador's first kite trips, with a support 4x4 on the sand, a boat in the Delta and a guide on the water on every leg.

By helicopter

For the shortest path, a helicopter charter follows the coastline in a line, flying over Camocim, the Delta and the mouth of the Parnaíba, landing in the village of Arpoador. The concierge arranges it on demand, according to date and number of passengers.

You have arrived in Arpoador. Now what

Arpoador is a base, not a stopover. In front of the village lie the Pequenos Lençóis and their lagoons; a boat ride away, the scarlet ibis evening flight in the Delta; and for those who keep riding, the downwinder to Atins adds another 45 km of water with the Lençóis Maranhenses as the backdrop. By land, Atins is 70 km away.

Arpoador Collection houses sit in the village, with a dedicated concierge for lodging, equipment, downwind support and every transfer.

Ready to ride this route? Speak to our concierge at www.arpoadorcollection.com.

When to ride it

The window matches the wind season: July to January, peaking between August and December, when the trades come in clean and wind probability is practically daily. Warm water all year means no wetsuit, and the late afternoon light in the Delta tends to be the most beautiful moment of the crossing.

As for the quiver, the historical rule of our trips is simple: kites from 9 to 12 meters cover the whole route through most of the season. A UV shirt, sunscreen, a repair kit and a dry bag complete the list; everything else travels in the support 4x4. And for a grand finale, align your arrival with the village calendar: from December into January, Arpoador hosts Duna Festival, and the houses are booked months in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Can you kite from Preá to Arpoador in a single day?

That is not the format of this route. The coastal journey adds up to around 210 km and is ridden in stages, with overnight stops and land support. It is an expedition crossing, not a session.

Do I need to be an expert rider for the downwinder?

You need to ride independently in strong wind and open water. The concierge assesses the group's level, sets up the support and shapes the legs to each rider's experience.

What about gear and luggage?

They travel in the support 4x4, which follows the group overland on every stage. In the Delta, support moves to a boat.

How do you get back?

Overland, by 4x4 transfer to Preá or to the most convenient airport. Many riders prefer not to go back at all: they continue west toward Atins and the Lençóis and fly out of São Luís.

Arpoador Collection. Lodging, properties and experiences in Arpoador, Maranhão, Brazil.